Super Rugby

Wallabies and Rebels prop Smith joins Hurricanes

Wallabies and Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby prop Toby Smith has agreed a two tear deal to play for the Hurricanes in Wellington.

The 28-year-old loose head will join his new Super Rugby club for the 2018 and 2019 seasons after spending the past four seasons with the Melbourne Rebels in Australia.

Smith, who won two Super Rugby titles during four seasons with the Chiefs, played 50 matches for the Rebels as well as six tests for his birth country Australia.

“I’ll always be grateful for my time in Australia and I have really enjoyed playing for the Melbourne Rebels, but when the opportunity to play for the Hurricanes came up it was very appealing to me.

“To play for a team with such a proud history and from everything I’ve heard a great culture, while also being closer to my young son is something I’m very excited about.

“I’m looking forward to moving to Wellington later in the year, meeting everyone, and getting stuck into pre-season training.”

Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd said Smith would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the club.

“Toby has a long and accomplished career that has already included nearly 100 Super Rugby caps, 50 matches for Waikato and a Rugby World Cup campaign with Australia.

“That sort of experience is a valuable asset for any team and we’re looking forward to his input from next season.”

Smith was born in North Queensland, but raised in Hamilton by New Zealand parents. He attended Hamilton Boys’ High School and was a member of the 2008 New Zealand Under-20s squad which won the then IRB Junior World Championship.

He was a member of the Super Rugby winning Chiefs teams in 2012 and 2013 before moving to Melbourne to chase his goal of playing international rugby.

Smith earned Wallabies selection for the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad and made his test debut off the bench against the USA in Chicago in late 2015. He will be ineligible for the Wallabies after he moves back to New Zealand.